Princess Eugenie has stepped back from her position with the King's Foundation following a tenure of merely 12 months, it emerged this afternoon.
The timing of the announcement proves particularly poignant, arriving just 24 hours before her youngest son, Ernest, celebrates his third birthday on Saturday.
Ernest George Ronnie Brooksbank came into the world at The Portland Hospital in London on May 30, 2023, joining older brother August Philip Hawke, five.
The 36-year-old princess, daughter of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson, had been serving as a mentor for the Foundation's '35 under 35' programme since her appointment last May.
Princess Eugenie is set for family celebrations after parting ways with the King’s Foundation
|GETTY
That initiative was designed to nurture emerging talent across fashion, architecture, and environmental activism sectors during the Foundation's 35th anniversary year.
Throughout her involvement, the princess attended just one official engagement for the organisation.
Her sole appearance came last November at a mentor's brunch held in Soho, where she delivered an introductory address to the network.
Speaking at the event, Eugenie reflected on her professional journey: "My career has been shaped by a passion for the arts, so it's a pleasure to be working with The King's Foundation to support this inspirational group of artists and creatives."
August Brooksbank and Ernest Brooksbank are very close in age
|INSTAGRAM: PRINCESS EUGENIE
She described the cohort as "an incredible group of talented young people."
Conflicting accounts have emerged regarding the circumstances of her departure.
The Daily Mail reported that Eugenie had been "quietly dropped" from the position, noting that controversy surrounding her father cast a "deep shadow" over her involvement.
Hello!, however, suggested the network was always intended to conclude with the Foundation's anniversary year, meaning it reached a natural end.
Princess Eugenie joined The King's Foundation's 35 under 35 network last year
|THE KING'S FOUNDATION
Her exit from The King's Foundation follows another charitable departure earlier this year.
In March, Eugenie stepped down from Anti-Slavery International after her father's arrest the previous month, with her profile subsequently removed from the organisation's website.
Despite these setbacks, the princess is understood to maintain a warm relationship with her uncle, King Charles.
The monarch expressed his delight when Buckingham Palace confirmed earlier this month that Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank are expecting their third child together this summer.
August and Ernest holding an ultrasound image of Eugenie's pregnancy scan
| HRH PRINCESS EUGENIE / BUCKINGHAM PALACEThe couple shared the news on Instagram, posting an image of their sons, August and Ernest, holding a baby scan photograph.
Ernest appeared in a Chelsea football kit while his older brother wore a grey long-sleeved top.
Eugenie captioned the post "Baby Brooksbank due 2026!" accompanied by red heart emojis and a baby symbol.